On this Mother’s Day, I’d like to especially thank mothers who have a son or daughter away on an LDS mission. Thank you for your faith, courage, patience, and support. Thank you for all you did to teach that young man or woman to be able to go into a strange part of the world (and I’m not just talking Utah or Idaho here) to stand as a representative of Jesus Christ in one of the least welcome but most effective ways to serve others. Thank you for helping your child to make a dramatic difference in the lives of others.

Mother’s Day is typically one of the few times when that missionary is able to call home, making this an especially exciting time. I hope that call comes through successfully for all of you, and that you are able to share your love and faith with your child who may be in difficult and trying circumstances, and who may need a boost in their own strength and endurance with your love.

While it can be difficult to have that child away for so long, know that he or she is in the service of God and will grow in profound ways. Upon their return, you may be surprised and delighted with what they have become.

P.S.- For those of you who are feeling guilty about not spending enough for Mother’s Day this year, you’ll be relieved to know that in light of the current recession, the International Mother’s Day Standards Board (a subsidiary of Hallmark, Inc.) has lowered the minimum acceptable spending limit for Mother’s Day cards from $4.99 to just $3.99, which may relieve some of the guilt. Their sister organizations representing flowers, jewelry, electronics, vacation packages, perfume, automobiles, chocolates, and general merchandise have made similar reductions on the order of 20% for minimum mandatory spending.